Makar Sankranti: Date, Punya Kaal and Regional Celebrations
Makar Sankranti is a solar festival marking the Sun entering Capricorn. In 2026 it was on January 14, beginning Uttarayan.
2026 guide
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What is Makar Sankranti 2026 date?
Makar Sankranti 2026 falls on January 14, 2026 (Wednesday). Makar Sankranti always occurs on January 14 (occasionally January 15 based on exact Sankranti timing). It marks the Sun's entry into Capricorn (Makar) in the sidereal zodiac, beginning Uttarayan (the Sun's northward journey).
What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?
Makar Sankranti marks the solar new year in the sidereal calendar. The Sun enters Capricorn, transitioning from the winter solstice period to increasingly longer days. It ends the inauspicious Kharmas (Sun in Sagittarius) and begins a period of auspiciousness. Bathing in sacred rivers (especially the Ganges at Prayagraj during Kumbh Mela years) on this day is said to wash away all sins.
What is Uttarayan?
Uttarayan (Uttara = north, Ayan = journey) is the 6-month period from Makar Sankranti to Karka Sankranti (July 16) when the Sun travels northward. It is considered more auspicious than Dakshinayan (southward journey). The Bhagavad Gita mentions that dying during Uttarayan leads to liberation. Bhishma Pitamaha waited on the bed of arrows to die during Uttarayan.
What are the regional names for Makar Sankranti?
Regional celebrations: Pongal (Tamil Nadu, 4-day harvest festival), Lohri (Punjab, January 13 eve), Uttarayan (Gujarat, kite festival), Bihu (Assam), Maghi (Punjab), Sakraat (Haryana/Rajasthan), Ghughuti (Uttarakhand), Kichdi (UP/Bihar, khichdi eating day). While the date and core event (solar entry into Capricorn) is same, each region has unique traditions.
Why are sesame and jaggery eaten on Makar Sankranti?
Til (sesame) and Gur (jaggery) are winter foods symbolizing warmth, sweetness, and togetherness. The phrase 'Til-Gul ghya, God God bola' (Take sesame-jaggery, speak sweetly) in Maharashtra reflects the festival's message of harmony. Til also represents the memory of ancestors (Til-Tarpan), and jaggery provides energy and warmth during winter. Til laddoos, chikki, and khichdi are traditional foods.
What is Kite Flying on Makar Sankranti?
Kite flying (Patang Mahotsav) on Makar Sankranti is especially famous in Gujarat (Uttarayan), where it is a major holiday. Families spend all day on rooftops flying kites and competing in Patang Baazi (kite battles). The sky becomes a tapestry of colorful kites. Cities like Ahmedabad host the International Kite Festival attracting participants from across the world.
What is Pongal and how is it related to Makar Sankranti?
Pongal is Tamil Nadu's 4-day harvest festival coinciding with Makar Sankranti. Thai Pongal is the main day (January 14, 2026) when new rice is cooked in clay pots and allowed to boil over (symbolizing abundance). Surya Pongal worships the Sun, Mattu Pongal worships cattle, and Kanum Pongal is a family outing day. Pongal and Makar Sankranti both celebrate the Sun's energy during harvest season.
What is Kumbh Mela's connection to Makar Sankranti?
On Makar Sankranti, the Maha Kumbh Mela and Ardha Kumbh Mela hold their first and most auspicious Shahi Snan (royal bath) if they occur in that year. The confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati at Prayagraj (Allahabad) is believed to become even more powerful on Makar Sankranti when the Sun enters Capricorn and Uttarayan begins.